armoredman
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A friend is donating an RCBS press to me, more than likely without accessories. What are the bare bones minimum accessories I need to safely reload 9mm and 40? I have little experiance/money. Thanks.
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- Thread starter armoredman
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You will need loading manual, preferably more than one, dies, scale, powder, bullets, and primers and someway to seat them if your press doesn't have a primer arm. If you get carbide dies you will not need case lube, if you get steel dies you'll need the lube. I a pinch you MAY be able to get by with a set of Lee powder dippers but you will be real close to the edge of safety with those small cases.
Ross
Member
bones
For a minimal investment, I would suggest Lee dies. They come with a powder scoop and a chart of loads and a shellholder. Everyone will suggest that you get the $20.00 carbide dies for their ease and cleanliness of use, but if you find a cheap carbon steel set, they will suffice. These are often available used cheap as loaders upgrade to carbide. For your application any light oil will work fine for case lube if you use carbon steel dies.
The press probably will have a primer arm with two sizes of primer punch. If not RCBS will probably provide the parts free under warranty, or ask here and someone will come up with what you need.
You will want a funnel, available for a quarter or less at Wally World or the Goodwill store. That will work fine until you come up with a proper one.
Most powder suppliers have free load charts. Ask your dealer.
Your local library should have load books on the shelves, or will get them on interlibrary loan for you.
As you save huge piles of money loading your own, you can gradually accumulate a couple of good manuals, a scale and a powder measure. Perhaps you will use Styrofoam ammo package inserts for loading trays until you can make your own.
If you elect to use the Lee scoops to get started, check first to see which powders they need for those scoops and the bullets you wish to use.
Even then you will be out an initial investment for primers, powder and bullets.
One caveat: most of us find that the savings we hoped for get used up with greatly increased shooting.
Cheers from Darkest California,
Ross
For a minimal investment, I would suggest Lee dies. They come with a powder scoop and a chart of loads and a shellholder. Everyone will suggest that you get the $20.00 carbide dies for their ease and cleanliness of use, but if you find a cheap carbon steel set, they will suffice. These are often available used cheap as loaders upgrade to carbide. For your application any light oil will work fine for case lube if you use carbon steel dies.
The press probably will have a primer arm with two sizes of primer punch. If not RCBS will probably provide the parts free under warranty, or ask here and someone will come up with what you need.
You will want a funnel, available for a quarter or less at Wally World or the Goodwill store. That will work fine until you come up with a proper one.
Most powder suppliers have free load charts. Ask your dealer.
Your local library should have load books on the shelves, or will get them on interlibrary loan for you.
As you save huge piles of money loading your own, you can gradually accumulate a couple of good manuals, a scale and a powder measure. Perhaps you will use Styrofoam ammo package inserts for loading trays until you can make your own.
If you elect to use the Lee scoops to get started, check first to see which powders they need for those scoops and the bullets you wish to use.
Even then you will be out an initial investment for primers, powder and bullets.
One caveat: most of us find that the savings we hoped for get used up with greatly increased shooting.
Cheers from Darkest California,
Ross
OP
OP
armoredman
Member
Lee dies will work in an RCBS press? I figured the would be propriatary. Thanks.
Ross
Member
Lee Loader
I should have specified: the Lee LOADER is not the same as the Lee dies, but is a pressless pocket set that stands alone.
Most die brands use the standard 7/8"-14tpi format and are generally interchangeable.
Cheers from the home of the Second Boxer Rebellion,
Ross
I should have specified: the Lee LOADER is not the same as the Lee dies, but is a pressless pocket set that stands alone.
Most die brands use the standard 7/8"-14tpi format and are generally interchangeable.
Cheers from the home of the Second Boxer Rebellion,
Ross
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